Vital Quote Connected To Ben Johnson Hints At Bears Draft Plans

Since Ryan Poles took over, the Chicago Bears have operated under a reasonably predictable approach to the draft. He tends to save the highest picks in each draft for what he calls "premium" positions. These are spots on a roster he deems to carry the most weight, such as quarterback, offensive tackle, and cornerback. Others, like the interior offensive line, running back, and linebacker, have been relegated to later rounds. One can't argue with the logic, but it's fair to wonder if things are about to change thanks to the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson.

Adam Jahns of The Athletic unearthed an interesting quote from a couple of years ago by Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes. He was responding to the criticism that his team had just taken a running back in the 1st round of the draft.

The Bears need true difference-makers who “impact” the game as Poles said. Jeanty or Warren should be able to do that immediately, especially in Johnson’s offense.

It’s worth repeating what Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after drafting running back Jahmyr Gibbs two years ago at No. 12: “We didn’t acquire a running back in the first round. We acquired an elite weapon to keep our offense explosive in the first round.”

That is something that should not be ignored. Johnson doesn't seem like the sort of coach who is interested in positional value. He's focused on finding playmakers. If the elite options in this upcoming draft happen to include a running back? So be it. Don't think twice. It is all about how they can impact the team, not their perceived shelf life.

Ben Johnson is interested in winning now.

He isn't focused on ten years down the road. Coaches can't afford to think that way. What player in this class has the best chance to make the Bears a better team immediately? It is hard to argue against Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State running back just got done carrying his team to a college football playoff berth. Dropping him into a huddle with Caleb Williams, D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet is bound to get results. Sure, he may only end up producing at a high level for seven or eight years, but that is far more than most 1st round picks the Bears have had in the past decade.

Besides, this organization historically has good luck at the position when picking high. Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, and Neal Anderson were all 1st round picks. Rashaan Salaam had 1,000 yards as a rookie before injuries and substance abuse derailed his career. Curtis Enis and Cedric Benson were the only flops, and Benson wasn't even a bad player. He just never wanted to come to Chicago. By all accounts, that won't be a problem with Jeanty. He loves the idea of playing for Ben Johnson. It seems the head coach is far from opposed to picking him, too.